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Between 30 and 40% of private and state forest lands in the US Pacific Northwest are in steep terrain, making forest harvest residues difficult and costly to obtain. Turnarounds in steep terrain are particularly problematic. In 2010, Hermann Brothers Logging (Port Angeles, WA), in collaboration with Western Trailers (Boise, ID), designed a self-steering chip van to increase large trailer access in steep areas of the Olympic Peninsula (WA). Following a series of mobility tests of the self-steering trailer, Arena Simulation by Rockwell Automation was used to compare the self-steering trailer system cost-effectiveness against a hook-lift truck system on a total system cost BDMt-1 basis. Under a base scenario, the self-steering system had a lower cost ($60.01 BDMt-1) than the hook-lift truck application ($101.27 BDMt-1) with a total system cost, including mobilization, piling, support equipment, and profit and risk. Assuming a 13.72 m (45 ft) standard trailer could reach a percentage of the harvest units, the hook-lift/standard trailer combination system was still not competitive with the self-steering trailer under the base case scenario until the percent allocation for the hook-lift trucks was reduced to 13%. After altering the base case scenario to favor the hook-lift application, the self-steering system was still more cost-effective until the allocation for hook-lift trucks was reduced to 21%.
Bryent Daugherty; John Sessions; Rene Zamora-Cristales; Michael G Wing. Improving Large Trailer Access for Biomass Recovery in Steep Terrain. Forest Science 2018, 64, 429 -441.
AMA StyleBryent Daugherty, John Sessions, Rene Zamora-Cristales, Michael G Wing. Improving Large Trailer Access for Biomass Recovery in Steep Terrain. Forest Science. 2018; 64 (4):429-441.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBryent Daugherty; John Sessions; Rene Zamora-Cristales; Michael G Wing. 2018. "Improving Large Trailer Access for Biomass Recovery in Steep Terrain." Forest Science 64, no. 4: 429-441.
The human visualization system is not optimally suited for fire detection. Smoke occlusion heavily limits flame visibility and low flames can be difficult to see. Thermal infrared (TIR) sensors mitigate these effects but come at high costs (>$3000) that limit use. Digital cameras modified to record near-infrared (NIR) are potential alternatives and are much more affordable (<$500). We examined the effectiveness of a converted NIR camera for fire detection. Eleven burning slash piles were simultaneously imaged with both a NIR and a camera-sensitive visible or red, green, and blue (RGB) light to compare performance. Quantitative differences in image fire-to-background contrast and flame size were compared between the paired NIR and RGB images. Quantitative analysis was facilitated by Maximum Likelihood Classifier in ENVI. Differences between contrast ratios and flame sizes were assessed for statistical significance by randomization test. Results showed statistically significant (p < 0.01) increases in both contrast ratio and flame size in all NIR images. The low-cost alternative offered by this technology relative to proven thermal sensors is attractive and immediately accessible. NIR sensors will never be as effective as TIR, but at a fraction of the cost, these cameras can fill a significant void in fire line situational awareness.
Jonathan D. Burnett; Michael G. Wing. A low-cost near-infrared digital camera for fire detection and monitoring. International Journal of Remote Sensing 2017, 39, 741 -753.
AMA StyleJonathan D. Burnett, Michael G. Wing. A low-cost near-infrared digital camera for fire detection and monitoring. International Journal of Remote Sensing. 2017; 39 (3):741-753.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJonathan D. Burnett; Michael G. Wing. 2017. "A low-cost near-infrared digital camera for fire detection and monitoring." International Journal of Remote Sensing 39, no. 3: 741-753.
Detect and Avoid (DAA) systems are complex communication and locational technologies comprising multiple independent components. DAA technologies support communications between ground-based and space-based operations with aircraft. Both manned and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) rely on DAA communication and location technologies for safe flight operations. We examined the occurrence and duration of communication losses between radar and automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast (ADS-B) systems with aircraft operating in proximate airspace using data collected during actual flight operations. Our objectives were to identify the number and duration of communication losses for both radar and ADS-B systems that occurred within a discrete time period. We also investigated whether other unique communication behavior and anomalies were occurring, such as reported elevation deviations. We found that loss of communication with both radar and ADS-B systems does occur, with variation in the length of communication losses. We also discovered that other unexpected behaviors were occurring with communications. Although our data were gathered from manned aircraft, there are also implications for UAS that are operating within active airspaces. We are unaware of any previously published work on occurrence and duration of communication losses between radar and ADS-B systems.
William Semke; Nicholas Allen; Asma Tabassum; Matthew McCrink; Mohammad Moallemi; Kyle Snyder; Evan Arnold; Dawson Stott; Michael G. Wing. Analysis of Radar and ADS-B Influences on Aircraft Detect and Avoid (DAA) Systems. Aerospace 2017, 4, 49 .
AMA StyleWilliam Semke, Nicholas Allen, Asma Tabassum, Matthew McCrink, Mohammad Moallemi, Kyle Snyder, Evan Arnold, Dawson Stott, Michael G. Wing. Analysis of Radar and ADS-B Influences on Aircraft Detect and Avoid (DAA) Systems. Aerospace. 2017; 4 (3):49.
Chicago/Turabian StyleWilliam Semke; Nicholas Allen; Asma Tabassum; Matthew McCrink; Mohammad Moallemi; Kyle Snyder; Evan Arnold; Dawson Stott; Michael G. Wing. 2017. "Analysis of Radar and ADS-B Influences on Aircraft Detect and Avoid (DAA) Systems." Aerospace 4, no. 3: 49.
Matamyo Simwanda; John Sessions; Kevin Boston; Michael G. Wing. Modeling Biomass Transport on Single-Lane Forest Roads. Forest Science 2015, 61, 763 -773.
AMA StyleMatamyo Simwanda, John Sessions, Kevin Boston, Michael G. Wing. Modeling Biomass Transport on Single-Lane Forest Roads. Forest Science. 2015; 61 (4):763-773.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMatamyo Simwanda; John Sessions; Kevin Boston; Michael G. Wing. 2015. "Modeling Biomass Transport on Single-Lane Forest Roads." Forest Science 61, no. 4: 763-773.
We examined spatial and temporal trends in large fire incidents (> 400 ha) in Oregon and Washington. Our primary objectives were to examine whether patterns existed in the spatial and temporal distribution of large fires and to explore the relationship of patterns to climate variables using a geographic information system. We analyzed a historical fire database containing over 1000 fire incidents over a 25-year time period (1984 – 2008). We compared this fire database to climate variables representing historical estimates of average monthly maximum temperature, average monthly minimum temperate, average monthly dewpoint, and average monthly precipitation. Results showed an increasing trend in fire frequency, extent, magnitude, and fire season duration. Geospatial analytical techniques such as nearest neighbor analysis, quartic kernel density estimation, and quadrat analysis identified spatial patterning and hot spots of fire occurrence and size. The relationship of fire occurrence and size to climate variables was generally statistically indiscernible in our analysis results although some correlation was evident when fires were analyzed separately according to burn severity.
Michael G. Wing; Justin Long. A 25-Year History of Spatial and Temporal Trends in Wildfire Activity in Oregon and Washington, U.S.A. Modern Applied Science 2014, 9, p117 .
AMA StyleMichael G. Wing, Justin Long. A 25-Year History of Spatial and Temporal Trends in Wildfire Activity in Oregon and Washington, U.S.A. Modern Applied Science. 2014; 9 (3):p117.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichael G. Wing; Justin Long. 2014. "A 25-Year History of Spatial and Temporal Trends in Wildfire Activity in Oregon and Washington, U.S.A." Modern Applied Science 9, no. 3: p117.
Curtis Edson; Michael G. Wing. LiDAR Elevation and DEM Errors in Forested Settings. Modern Applied Science 2014, 9, 1 .
AMA StyleCurtis Edson, Michael G. Wing. LiDAR Elevation and DEM Errors in Forested Settings. Modern Applied Science. 2014; 9 (2):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCurtis Edson; Michael G. Wing. 2014. "LiDAR Elevation and DEM Errors in Forested Settings." Modern Applied Science 9, no. 2: 1.
M.G. Wing; Jonathan D. Burnett; J. Sessions. Remote Sensing and Unmanned Aerial System Technology for Monitoring and Quantifying Forest Fire Impacts. International Journal of Remote Sensing Applications 2014, 4, 18 .
AMA StyleM.G. Wing, Jonathan D. Burnett, J. Sessions. Remote Sensing and Unmanned Aerial System Technology for Monitoring and Quantifying Forest Fire Impacts. International Journal of Remote Sensing Applications. 2014; 4 (1):18.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM.G. Wing; Jonathan D. Burnett; J. Sessions. 2014. "Remote Sensing and Unmanned Aerial System Technology for Monitoring and Quantifying Forest Fire Impacts." International Journal of Remote Sensing Applications 4, no. 1: 18.
Airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) has become a popular remote sensing technology to create digital terrain models and provide forest inventory information. However, little research has been done to investigate the accuracy of using scanning airborne LiDAR to perform road geomatics tasks common to forest engineering. We used airborne LiDAR to estimate existing forest road characteristics in support of a road assessment under four different canopy conditions. In estimating existing road centerlines, LiDAR data had a vertical root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.28 m and a horizontal RMSE of 1.21 m. Road grades were estimated to within 1% slope of the value sampled in the field and horizontal curve radii were estimated with an average absolute error of 3.17 m. The results suggest that airborne LiDAR is an acceptable data source to estimate forest road centerlines and grades, but some caution should be used in estimating horizontal curve radii, particularly on sharp curves.
Michael Craven; Michael G. Wing. Applying airborne LiDAR for forested road geomatics. Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research 2013, 29, 174 -182.
AMA StyleMichael Craven, Michael G. Wing. Applying airborne LiDAR for forested road geomatics. Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research. 2013; 29 (2):174-182.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichael Craven; Michael G. Wing. 2013. "Applying airborne LiDAR for forested road geomatics." Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research 29, no. 2: 174-182.
Remote sensing has been an integral and growing technology for managing natural resources. One of the chief impediments to land managers has been the relatively high cost that is associated with high-resolution imagery acquired by aircraft and satellites. Legislation and other new developments in the United States will substantially increase the use of unmanned aerial systems (UASs) as remote sensing platforms. There are also recent technological developments that have made platforms and sensors available at more reasonable prices. These changes will probably reduce the cost of high-resolution imagery and promote remote sensing applications for natural resource management. We describe current developments in the operation and potential technology of UASs within the United States, present a recent UAS flight in which real-time video imagery of a forested area was captured, and discuss the potential for future UAS applications.
Michael G. Wing; Jonathan Burnett; John Sessions; Josh Brungardt; Vic Cordell; Dave Dobler; David Wilson. Eyes in the Sky: Remote Sensing Technology Development Using Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Journal of Forestry 2013, 111, 341 -347.
AMA StyleMichael G. Wing, Jonathan Burnett, John Sessions, Josh Brungardt, Vic Cordell, Dave Dobler, David Wilson. Eyes in the Sky: Remote Sensing Technology Development Using Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Journal of Forestry. 2013; 111 (5):341-347.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichael G. Wing; Jonathan Burnett; John Sessions; Josh Brungardt; Vic Cordell; Dave Dobler; David Wilson. 2013. "Eyes in the Sky: Remote Sensing Technology Development Using Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems." Journal of Forestry 111, no. 5: 341-347.
We compared field based and airborne LiDAR-derived profile corridor measurements across forest canopy types and terrain ranging from 37% to 49% slope. Both LiDAR-derived DEM and raw LiDAR point elevations were compared to field data. Primary objectives included examining whether canopy type or terrain slope influenced LiDAR-derived profile measurements. A secondary objective included comparing cable logging payloads based on field measured profile elevations to payloads based on LiDAR-derived elevations. Average RMSE elevation errors were slightly lower for profile point to LiDAR DEM values (0.43 m) than profile point to nearest LiDAR elevation point (0.49 m) with differences being larger when sites within forest clearings were removed from analysis. No statistically significant relationship existed between field measured ground slopes and associated profile point and LiDAR DEM elevation differences but a mild correlation existed when LiDAR raw point elevation differences were compared. Our payload analysis determined the limiting payload distance and had consistent results across study sites. The DEM-based profile outperformed the nearest point profile by 5% on average. Results suggest that forest analysts should consider using the nearest LiDAR DEM value rather than the nearest LiDAR point elevation for terrain heights at discrete locations, particularly when forest canopy occludes locations of interest.
Michael G. Wing; Michael Craven; John Sessions; Jeff Wimer. LiDAR-Derived DEM and Raw Height Comparisons along Profile Corridor Gradients within a Forest. Journal of Geographic Information System 2013, 05, 109 -116.
AMA StyleMichael G. Wing, Michael Craven, John Sessions, Jeff Wimer. LiDAR-Derived DEM and Raw Height Comparisons along Profile Corridor Gradients within a Forest. Journal of Geographic Information System. 2013; 05 (02):109-116.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichael G. Wing; Michael Craven; John Sessions; Jeff Wimer. 2013. "LiDAR-Derived DEM and Raw Height Comparisons along Profile Corridor Gradients within a Forest." Journal of Geographic Information System 05, no. 02: 109-116.
Riparian forest zones adjacent to surface water such as streams, lakes, reservoirs and wetlands maintain significant forest ecosystem functions including nutrient cycling, vegetative communities, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat and landscape aesthetics. In order to support the sustainable management of riparian forests, riparian zones should first be carefully delineated and then structural properties of riparian vegetation, especially forest trees, should be accurately measured. Geographical information system (GIS) techniques have been previously implemented to determine riparian zones quickly and reliably. However, basic measurements of forest structures in riparian areas have relied heavily on field-based surveys, which can be extremely time consuming in large areas. In this study, riparian forest zones were initially located using GIS techniques and then airborne lidar (light detection and ranging) data were used to determine and analyse structural properties (i.e. tree height, crown diameter, canopy closure and vegetation density) of a sample riparian forest. Lidar-derived tree height and crown diameter measurements of sample trees were compared with field-based measurements. Results indicated that 77.92% of the riparian area in the study area was covered by forest. Based on lidar-derived data, the average tree height, total crown width, canopy closure (above 3 m) and vegetation density (3–15 m) were found to be 74.72 m, 16.82 m, 71.15% and 26.05%, respectively. Although we found differences between measurement methods, lidar-derived riparian tree measurements were highly correlated with field measurements for tree height (R 2 = 88%) and crown width (R 2 = 92%). Differences between measurement methods were likely a result of difficulties associated with field measurements in the dense vegetation that is often associated with forested riparian areas.
Abdullah Emin Akay; Michael G. Wing; John Sessions. Estimating structural properties of riparian forests with airborne lidar data. International Journal of Remote Sensing 2012, 33, 7010 -7023.
AMA StyleAbdullah Emin Akay, Michael G. Wing, John Sessions. Estimating structural properties of riparian forests with airborne lidar data. International Journal of Remote Sensing. 2012; 33 (22):7010-7023.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAbdullah Emin Akay; Michael G. Wing; John Sessions. 2012. "Estimating structural properties of riparian forests with airborne lidar data." International Journal of Remote Sensing 33, no. 22: 7010-7023.
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) remote sensing has demonstrated potential in measuring forest biomass. We assessed the ability of LiDAR to accurately estimate forest total above ground biomass (TAGB) on an individual stem basis in a conifer forest in the US Pacific Northwest region using three different computer software programs and compared results to field measurements. Software programs included FUSION, TreeVaW, and watershed segmentation. To assess the accuracy of LiDAR TAGB estimation, stem counts and heights were analyzed. Differences between actual tree locations and LiDAR-derived tree locations using FUSION, TreeVaW, and watershed segmentation were 2.05 m (SD 1.67), 2.19 m (SD 1.83), and 2.31 m (SD 1.94), respectively, in forested plots. Tree height differences from field measured heights for FUSION, TreeVaW, and watershed segmentation were −0.09 m (SD 2.43), 0.28 m (SD 1.86), and 0.22 m (2.45) in forested plots; and 0.56 m (SD 1.07 m), 0.28 m (SD 1.69 m), and 1.17 m (SD 0.68 m), respectively, in a plot containing young conifers. The TAGB comparisons included feature totals per plot, mean biomass per feature by plot, and total biomass by plot for each extraction method. Overall, LiDAR TAGB estimations resulted in FUSION and TreeVaW underestimating by 25 and 31% respectively, and watershed segmentation overestimating by approximately 10%. LiDAR TAGB underestimation occurred in 66% and overestimation occurred in 34% of the plot comparisons.
Curtis Edson; Michael G. Wing. Airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) for Individual Tree Stem Location, Height, and Biomass Measurements. Remote Sensing 2011, 3, 2494 -2528.
AMA StyleCurtis Edson, Michael G. Wing. Airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) for Individual Tree Stem Location, Height, and Biomass Measurements. Remote Sensing. 2011; 3 (11):2494-2528.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCurtis Edson; Michael G. Wing. 2011. "Airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) for Individual Tree Stem Location, Height, and Biomass Measurements." Remote Sensing 3, no. 11: 2494-2528.
Elevation measurements are essential for many natural resource activities including hydrologic modeling, viewshed analysis, and forest road and trail engineering design. We collected elevation measurements with five identically configured mapping-grade global positioning system (GPS) receivers at two distinctly different test courses within a forest. Our primary objectives were to quantify the accuracy and reliability of GPS elevation measurements within two distinctly different environmental settings and to examine the influence of different data collection approaches. One test course was established within a forest clearing and had a generally unobstructed view of the overhead sky while the other course was mostly covered by forest canopy. We collected measurements using several different data groupings (1, 30, and 60 s intervals) and calculated the elevation error of all GPS receiver measurements for both unprocessed and differentially corrected (processed) measurements. The average error was 2.7 m (1.8 SD) for unprocessed and 0.4 m (0.3 SD) for processed measurements when all GPS receiver data and point intervals (1, 30, and 60 s) were combined at the open sky course. Average measurement error was 5.0 m (4.6 SD) for unprocessed and 3.0 m (2.8 SD) for processed measurements when grouping all GPS receiver data and point intervals (1, 30, and 60 s) at the forest canopy course. Although the GPS receivers were identical in model and data collection parameters, we found statistically significant differences in elevation measurements between the receivers that we tested. We determined no statistical influence of 1, 30, and 60 point intervals on elevation measurement accuracy within each individual GPS receiver, regardless of measurement course or data processing. For many basic elevation measurement requirements, mapping-grade GPS receivers may provide an acceptable level of accuracy and reliability. Projects that require a high degree of elevation measurement accuracy may have to consider alternative methods, such as electronic digital measurement tools or manual means, of capturing elevation change across a forested landscape.
Michael G. Wing; Jereme Frank. Vertical measurement accuracy and reliability of mapping-grade GPS receivers. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2011, 78, 188 -194.
AMA StyleMichael G. Wing, Jereme Frank. Vertical measurement accuracy and reliability of mapping-grade GPS receivers. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 2011; 78 (2):188-194.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichael G. Wing; Jereme Frank. 2011. "Vertical measurement accuracy and reliability of mapping-grade GPS receivers." Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 78, no. 2: 188-194.
Wildfires burn several million hectares in the United States annually. Time is critical in gathering information from burned landscapes for post-fire recovery planning. A technology to obtain spatial vegetation information across landscapes is Light Detecting and Ranging (LiDAR). We compared tree positional and height measurements, primarily from Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), between field-based and LiDAR-derived measurements at three south-western Oregon (USA) sites. The sites represented a range of tree mortality from minimal to extensive. Our primary objective was to determine whether significant differences existed between field and LiDAR tree measurements in burned landscapes. Secondary objectives were to examine whether LiDAR pulse intensities in burned landscapes could differentiate coniferous from deciduous trees, discern fire-killed from live trees, and whether other tree measurement parameters were related to pulse intensities. No significant differences were detected between field-based and LiDAR-derived horizontal positions. Tree height differences between field-based and LiDAR measurements were significant at one site likely owing to dense canopy and measurement biases. Mean and maximum LiDAR intensities were significantly different between live and dead (fire-killed) trees in two of three sites. Additionally, crown diameter and tree sweep were significant in explaining variation in maximum LiDAR intensities at all sites.
Michael G. Wing; Aaron Eklund; John Sessions. Applying LiDAR technology for tree measurements in burned landscapes. International Journal of Wildland Fire 2010, 19, 104 .
AMA StyleMichael G. Wing, Aaron Eklund, John Sessions. Applying LiDAR technology for tree measurements in burned landscapes. International Journal of Wildland Fire. 2010; 19 (1):104.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichael G. Wing; Aaron Eklund; John Sessions. 2010. "Applying LiDAR technology for tree measurements in burned landscapes." International Journal of Wildland Fire 19, no. 1: 104.
Engineers Without Borders-USA (EWB-USA) consists of over 50 professional chapters throughout the country and over 100 student chapters at engineering universities. The goal of EWB-USA is to assist developing communities implement sustainable engineering projects that foster quality-of-life improvements while developing internationally responsible engineers and engineering students. An EWB-USA chapter at Oregon State University (EWB-OSU) has focused efforts on designing a sustainable water system to provide clean water for two communities in El Salvador. The communities are located in remote and mountainous terrain and have little available data describing local resources. The health of the communities has suffered due to a lack of clean drinking water. Small teams from the EWB-OSU chapter have now twice visited the communities to collect data using global positioning system (GPS) receivers. Financial support for travel costs has come from a variety of sources. The local community has helped field teams locate important resources and verify information to support the design process. Although considerable project progress has occurred, challenges have resulted from working in remote and rugged landscapes and also from land use and ownership considerations in the communities. We describe in this essay EWB-OSU activities to design and implement an engineering project to provide freshwater to rural communities in a remote, rural community.
Michael G. Wing; Kelsey Edwardsen; Mary Beth McNair; Evan Miles; Kelly Wilson; John Sessions. Developing a sustainable water-delivery system in rural El Salvador. Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy 2007, 3, 72 -78.
AMA StyleMichael G. Wing, Kelsey Edwardsen, Mary Beth McNair, Evan Miles, Kelly Wilson, John Sessions. Developing a sustainable water-delivery system in rural El Salvador. Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy. 2007; 3 (1):72-78.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichael G. Wing; Kelsey Edwardsen; Mary Beth McNair; Evan Miles; Kelly Wilson; John Sessions. 2007. "Developing a sustainable water-delivery system in rural El Salvador." Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy 3, no. 1: 72-78.
Our primary study objective was to test the accuracy and reliability of consumer-grade GPS receivers in a variety of landscape settings. We established three measurement testing courses in open sky, young forest, and closed canopy settings within a conifer-dominated forest in westernOregon and rigorously tested the positional accuracy of six different GPS. All units were produced by established GPS manufacturers. We found that performance varied, in some cases considerably, among units and appeared to be influenced by canopy cover and satellite availability. Among thetop GPS performers, we determined that users could expect positional accuracies within approximately 5 m of true position in open sky settings, 7 m in young forest conditions, and 10 m under closed canopies.
Michael G. Wing; Aaron Eklund; Loren D. Kellogg. Consumer-Grade Global Positioning System (GPS) Accuracy and Reliability. Journal of Forestry 2005, 103, 169 -173.
AMA StyleMichael G. Wing, Aaron Eklund, Loren D. Kellogg. Consumer-Grade Global Positioning System (GPS) Accuracy and Reliability. Journal of Forestry. 2005; 103 (4):169-173.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichael G. Wing; Aaron Eklund; Loren D. Kellogg. 2005. "Consumer-Grade Global Positioning System (GPS) Accuracy and Reliability." Journal of Forestry 103, no. 4: 169-173.